Kerri Walsh Jennings and Brooke Sweat broke the record for largest margin of victory at a beach volleyball world championships, drubbing a pair from Mauritius 21-2, 21-2 in pool play on Sunday in Hamburg, Germany.
Walsh Jennings and Sweat, who lost Friday’s opener to a Dutch duo, took out the second-lowest-ranked pair in the 48-team field in 21 minutes.
“It’s an honor for us – not to lose 21-2, 21-2 – but to play Kerri, Brooke, [and Australians Mariafe] Artacho and [Taliqua] Clancy and the world-class, big professionals of the sport,” Mauritius’ Maita Cousin said, according to event organizers. “I am an admin manager and work in an office all day and go to training for two hours after. It’s a hobby for me, and I’m excited to be here at this big event and share the experience.”
Routs aren’t that unusual at the world championships because the field is twice the size of the Olympics, which brings more universality.
Walsh Jennings had never won a match by such a margin in nearly two decades and 250 pro tournaments, though she has played one 20-minute match, according to BVBInfo.com.
“They showed up and made us work,” Walsh Jennings, who is a mom like Cousin, said, according to the FIVB. “We had to scramble a few times but I love mothers – or anyone – who is chasing a dream. They showed courage.
“I don’t think they will look at the scoreline, but they should be proud.”
Walsh Jennings and Sweat, who paired last fall and are in the mix halfway through Olympic qualifying, play their last pool match Monday against the Aussies.
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